Rosa
Mexicano
Authentic Mexican Cuisine in San Francisco
Dining
Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis
We
have always enjoyed Mexican Cuisine and of course Tequila.
So, we were very interested when we learned that Rosa
Mexicano had opened a new location in San Francisco.
Rosa Mexicano first opened in New York in 1984 and they now have
locations around the globe serving farm fresh traditional and
contemporary Mexican food, using seasonal fresh ingredients from
local purveyors. Here in San Francisco they source from Green
String Farms, 4505 Meats, Cowgirl Creamery, Niman Ranch, Mary's
Chicken, Bellwether Farms, Coke Farm, Redwood Hill Farm, Masami
Foods and others.
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As
you enter this very stylish restaurant and bar, you can see their
signature pink colors "rosa" everywhere. The inviting
bar features custom tiles, a red glazed lava stone top and comfortable
leather bar stools. We were seated in a booth in the dining room
and admired the decor which included local art and a wall featuring
a very interesting water fall. The dining room is fairly large
and includes a walnut slab communal table, individual tables and
very comfortable booths. The room is well designed and the seating
is nicely spaced for privacy.
The
upbeat music got us in the proper mood for cocktails from their
full bar which of course features an extensive list of premium
tequilas. We were very impressed by their Signature Frozen Pomegranate
Margarita made with Silver Tequila, pomegranate and lime juices
which had a perfect balance of sweet and tart. We also loved the
La Suprema made with Partida Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, Grand
Marnier, fresh lime and organic agave. We recently had the pleasure
of meeting Maestro Tequilero Jose Valdez from Tequila Partida.
We learned that all Tequila Partida was 100% Agave from the Tequila
Valley in Mexico and that Partida Reposado was aged for six months
giving it more body and a smoother and softer taste. We also enjoyed
their Partida Elegante straight up which has a more intense flavor,
as it is aged for 40 months in Jack Daniel's Barrels. It was amazing!
Our
first taste of the evening was their Guacamole en Molcajete,
which is freshly, prepared Tableside using avocado, jalapeno,
tomato, onion and cilantro. It was really fun to watch and we
learned how to make a paste from some of the ingredients then
gently fold it into the fresh avocado. It is seasoned to your
preference and we like spicy, so plenty of jalapenos were added.
House made Tortilla chips, salsa pasilla de Oaxaca and salsa de
tomatillo y habanero accompanied the guacamole. Next, we had the
Cervices Atun which was delicious Ahi Tuna with chile de Arbol,
orange supremes and watermelon. This was such a refreshing combination
and very visually appealing too. You must also try their Sopa
de Tortilla which had a rich pasilla broth, grilled chicken, tortillas
and cheese. You can spice it up using the specialty salsas.
Our
favorite entrée was the Crispy Chamorro Masami Ranch
Pork Shank which was slow braised "Carnitas Style"
and accompanied with chipotle-creamed spinach and red bean chorizo
chili. This was quite amazing and a real treat!! We also enjoyed
the Carne Asada all Natural skillet style marinated and sliced
Skirt Steak with Chihuahua cheese, grilled Mexican street corn,
chorizo chili and warm corn tortillas.
Our
second round of drinks was the La Pera Noble made with Casa Noble
organic silver tequila, bianco vermouth, pear brandy and cinnamon.
It was quite smooth and went down very easy! We look forward to
having this again.
The
Desserts were fabulous! We loved both the Flan de Rosa
which was a Vanilla Flan infused with Espresso served on a warm
ancho chile brownie topped with Mexican cinnamon whipped cream
and the amazing Churros en Bolsa which were Hot Mexican Doughnuts
served with three dipping sauces chocolate, caramel and raspberry
guajillo. An espresso and an Aguila after dinner drink made with
Real Hennessy VS, Kahlua, Licor 43, cream and chocolate bitters
were the perfect finish to our excellent Mexican dinner.
We
had a terrific time at Rosa Mexicano which is quickly approaching
their one year anniversary in San Francisco. They serve Mexican
Breakfast, as well as Lunch and Dinner. The fresh Mexican Cuisine
was delicious, the drinks were TOO good and the staff was friendly,
well trained and knowledgeable. There were quite a few large parties
including what we thought was an America's Cup team....but the
noise level remained low. We look forward to returning soon to
Rosa Mexicano, as it is the new "place to be" in San
Francisco for Mexican Cuisine. (We still miss the Cadillac Bar
and poppers) Make sure you check out their monthly Special Events
as coming up in August is their Tableside Ice Cream Festival.
Rosa
Mexicano
30 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA. 94105
415-874-4300
www.RosaMexicano.com